Viruses, millions of which target our body each second, are like criminals, inhabiting every tiniest part of Earth: they are, have always been and always will be. We can neither avoid nor overwhelm them once and forever. They both aim in harming, hurting, spoiling, ruining, destroying, outraging, and killing.
Genital herpes virus (GHV) is a whip, which tortures human body constantly after settling down within it. It is like a criminal, who will certainly come back to your place to steal more, if he is sure there are still things left to be stolen in your house.
Fortunately, every dangerous situation gives us experience, makes us wiser; therefore we can get prepared for the next burglars visit, buying a gun, for example. Our body can also stand for itself: it produces natural antibodies for self-defense within 3-4 weeks after GHV penetrates into our organism. Though these safeguards cannot get rid of the virus forever, they can help the organism withstand the active outbreak of the disease, furthermore they make it less painful.
No doubt, self-defense does not work in many situations. Policemen and rangers exist to protect people from criminals. Medications play the same role in our organisms. Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are the most well-known antiviral means, which lessen the pain and shorten the duration of the genital herpes outbreak.
Acyclovir is used since 1984 both to ease the primary GH infection and to reduce symptomatic recurrences and viral shedding. It is available in oral and ointment forms, though the first one is more effective. Although FDA did not approve the usage of this medication during pregnancy, several studies showed that it is relatively safe and does not cause birth defects. New-born babies may also be treated with acyclovir, though it has no effect if the brain or other internal organs are affected. The only potential drawback of acyclovir therapy is a delayed and decreased antibody response to GHV infection. Side effects are usually mild and include nausea and diarrhea.
Famciclovir and valacyclovir are the newer generation of antiviral medications, which also make coping with GH easier. The side effects of the drugs are mild. Valtrex can cause headache and nausea. Besides these, vomiting, abdominal pain and dizziness are sometimes observed while taking Famvir.
There are also non-antiviral methods helping cope with GH: salt bath (1 teaspoon of salt in 600 ml of water or a handful in a shallow bath); loose, preferably cotton, underwear; and pain relievers as aspirin or paracetamol, ice and creams with anaesthetic component. It is advisable to avoid heat and sunlight and not to use perfumed soap, sprays and deodorants.
Sometimes it seems so difficult to overwhelm a disease; nevertheless, medications nowadays are safe and effective. We can always be sure that they will do their job.
On the other hand, humans are not so reliable. It is a pity that these days we can hardly trust even persons whose duty is to protect. Therefore, even a policeman in your house is not a security blanket.
Ivanna
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